Olympus PEN E-PL7 compact mirrorless camera announced

Olympus has announced the PEN E-PL7, refreshing its entry-level mirrorless line. It offers a 16MP CMOS sensor, 3-axis image stabilization system borrowed from the OM-D E-M10, 8 fps continuous shooting and built-in Wi-Fi. Not forgetting the self-portrait-obsessed masses, the E-PL7 provides an articulated 3" touch LCD, capable of flipping downward by 180°. Along with the E-PL7, Olympus has also announced an update to its OI.Share app as well as a black version of its M.Zuiko 12mm F2.0 prime.

The OI.Share update brings the ability to control Live Bulb exposure via mobile device. Drive mode can now be changed from the app, and movie recording can also be initiated.

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 will be available in September. Body-only it will cost $599.99; with the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R kit zoom it will cost $699.99. The black 12mm F2.0 prime is priced at $799.99 - the same as its silver equivalent.

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 28, 2014 — Olympus makes it easier than ever to shoot and share your stories in brilliant detail with the new PEN E-PL7®, an interchangeable-lens camera in a portable, compact and lightweight body, with a premium design. Featuring a new 180-degree downward flip touch LCD, Selfie-dedicated mode and built-in Wi-Fi®, combined with the enhanced Olympus Image Share app (OI.Share™), the PEN E-PL7 gives users the power to easily upload and share images instantly using their mobile devices.

Outstanding Image QualityThe Olympus PEN E-PL7 features much of the same technology as Olympus’s award-winning OM-D® line of cameras for a level of performance that rivals that of high-end interchangeable-lens cameras. The TruePic VII image processor combines with a 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor and M.ZUIKO® lenses to deliver beautiful image quality with high resolution, superior color reproduction and high sensitivity, all in a portable, compact and lightweight body, with the same high-level design and build quality of the PEN flagship, the E-P5.

The in-body 3-axis VCM image stabilization system is derived from the Olympus OM-D E-M10®. This powerful technology compensates for horizontal and vertical angular shifts (yam and pitch) as well as camera shake along the optical axis (roll) which is especially common in one-handed shooting scenarios. With the in-body image stabilization mechanism, camera shake can be prevented with any lens, allowing users to take beautiful, dynamic images, all the time.

SpeedThe on-board FAST AF is Olympus’s fastest-ever AF system and uses 81 points that cover the whole image. Small AF Target and Super Spot AF modes make it possible to zoom in and focus accurately on small sections of the frame. The E-PL7 is also capable of capturing high-speed action with 8fps sequential shooting, the fast processor supports continuous capture of up to 20 RAW frames or an unlimited number of JPEG frames, and the Continuous Auto Focus with Tracking mode accurately tracks and captures moving subject as fast as 3.5 fps.

One-Touch Self PortraitsThe 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot high-definition touch LCD monitor automatically turns into a mirror display and activates into its "Selfie Mode" when tilted downward in the 180-degree position, perfect for one-touch selfies. The shutter-release button appears on the screen so subjects can frame the image appropriately, shooting one second after the button is touched, and capturing beautiful selfies that could not have been captured with a smart phone alone. Selfie interval shooting provides a fun way to capture images with a custom self-timer switching button that defaults to deliver three shots at one second intervals, giving subjects time to strike different poses. When an electronic zoom lens is attached, the zoom automatically adjusts to the wide-angle position so that the user can quickly take their shot, incorporating the background as well.

The E-PL7’s built-in flash helps users take beautiful selfies against nighttime backgrounds, and e-Portrait can be activated with a single touch for more beautiful skin textures. iAuto has also been enhanced with selfies in mind: Portrait settings have been added to common scene modes to automatically detect 42 types of scenes to match the subject and optimize for the ideal image.

Easy Smart Phone ConnectionThe Olympus PEN E-PL7 includes built-in Wi-Fi, and connecting to a smart phone is simple. Using the Olympus Image Share app, along with a smart phone, and quickly scanning the QR code displayed on the camera’s LCD, the smart phone syncs with the Wi-Fi network created by the camera. OI.Share shooting functions have evolved, making it possible to easily operate the custom self-timer for sequential and selfie interval shooting. Live View can be displayed on the smart phone, and the camera can be controlled by touching the smart phone display as if it were the camera itself, then users can send selected images to their smart device for immediate sharing on social media sites.

Expanded OI.Share CapabilityOI.Share has been enhanced with a number of remote shooting functions to expand the use of a variety of selfie options. Settings for single, sequential high and sequential low switching button, as well as controls for the timer bar and interval shooting, can all be easily accessed remotely on the user’s smart phone. A new movie button lets you quickly record a movie at customized settings, including customized time length for each movie clip. Live Bulb has been added to OI.Share, allowing users the ability to control and monitor the bulb photography process on a smart phone while the shutter is released. Images can also be geotagged through the OI.Share App, giving users a record of all of their adventures.

Camera CreativityThe PEN E-PL7 is equipped with several new creative features, including two new Art Filters. The "Vintage" art filter transfers everyday images into a photo that looks to have withstood the test of time, and "Partial Color" enables users to utilize an intuitive color ring to leave certain colors in an image while other colors are converted to monochrome to emphasize specific parts of a photo or subjects (18 colors are available). "Shade Effect" is a new art effect that adds bands of shadows on the left and right, or top and bottom of the image. Photo Story has also been expanded to include Layout mode for a photo-album-style arrangement. "Panning" is a new scene mode that matches the E-PL7’s movement to the subjects so users can track it for the optimal panning effect. And finally, a new movie effect, "Old Film Effect," records video to look like old movies shot on film by adding noise, scratches and dust effects.

For photographers who prefer composing their shots using an eyepiece, the E-PL7 is compatible with the optional high-definition VF-4 viewfinder that provides an impressive 1.48X magnification, a 2.36 million-dot LCD, eye-detect to turn it on at the right time, and intuitive functionality that enables real-time viewing of shooting conditions.

New Micro Four Thirds® Lens and AccessoriesOlympus is also introducing a black version of its popular M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12mm F2.0 lens. This high-speed, single-focal-length, wide-angle lens, which was previously only available in silver, is ideal for shooting high-quality, dramatic landscapes and street scenes in low-light conditions. It has a beautiful full-metal body and a snap ring that enables photographers to pan focus with a distance indicator.

A genuine leather body jacket made especially for the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL7, the CS-45B, will also cover the camera's grip. In addition to the utility of protecting the camera body from damage, it also offers a robust feel, thanks to the luxuriousness and craftsmanship that comes with the use of genuine leather. The jacket is available in light brown, brown, and black, and matches the new Genuine Leather Lens Cover LS-60.5GL (compatible with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ lens) and is a great complement to the Genuine Leather Neck Strap CSS-S109LLII, which is already available. The special snap buttons are used to attach the jacket to the body, making the jacket smooth and easy to remove. The jacket can also be quickly removed when you want to use a tripod or insert or remove batteries or an SD card. You can also take selfies even with the jacket attached.

Compatible with the external flash bundled with the E-PL7, you'll be ready for underwater photography with the PT-EP12. You can also now switch to underwater mode using the arrow pad, allowing you to concentrate on taking photos stress-free even underwater. An even greater variety of underwater photos can be taken if you use the Underwater Macro Converter PTMC-01 or the Underwater Wide Converter PTWC-01, both of which can be attached directly. A brand new dedicated underwater flash, the UFL-3, operates with high-performance, is compact and reaches a guide number of GN22. With a charging time of approximately two seconds, this flash is pressure resistant to water at a depth of 75m. It’s compatible with the wireless flash controller and is bundled with a dedicated diffuser. This is a next-generation all-in-one underwater photography system that condenses all of the options needed for underwater shooting in a compact body.

A new lithium-ion battery BLS-50 with increased capacity, from 1150 mAh (BLS-5) to 1210 mAh (BLS-50), replaces the BLS-5. The BLS-50 is the same shape as the BLS-5 and can be used in Olympus models that support it.

U.S. Pricing and AvailabilityThe Olympus PEN E-PL7 will be available in late September 2014 in the following configurations:

Comments

EVF absence is natural for THIS camera. This is PEN after all. And there are add on EVF. Strange they did not add build flash. After E-P5 it was expected as extras moved from more expensive models to cheaper ones. Was waiting for build in flash - have zoom waiting for the camera. Will vet GM1 OR GM2 if it show up.

The manufacturers have ganged up and gone stingy. For steadiness, bright sunlight, or panoramas, I'll settle for any excuse of a viewfinder. The Hoodman Loupe is an intelligent alternative. So is the Clearviewer (http://www.clearviewer.com).

Clever! Flip DOWN LCD eliminates the problem of it hitting the VF or flash, an issue Sony are still battling with the NEX/Alpha X000 series, hence multiple design choices from Sony! But on this Oly, one must ask, tripod screen clash?

I find using a tilt LCD is more traditional like my first TLR and SLR with waist-level viewfinders. When you place the LCD at 90 degrees and shoot at waist-level, the LCD is often protected from the sun because it is between the camera and your body. This is an excellent method for street shooting. If I really want an eye-level viewfinder on a camera like this, then an accessory OVF works very well.

$799.99 M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12mm f2.0 lens in Black? Cmon Olympus, you can do better. I would buy this lens IF this lens have a civilized price. Conclusion, I have not bought one, and Olympus did not sell me one. And life goes on...

For a compact camera, I would consider the built-in flash to be more important than a EVF. Its for that quick fill flash when one needs it. When one needs an OVF or EVF they should go for a bigger camera. I have no problems using my GM1 and Ricoh GR, both without any EVF, even in the tropical sun. Both cameras when used as a pair is all I need for travel photography.

I hear you, I actually went through the trouble sold EPM1 due to the stupid "foldable" lens, then I bought EPM2 sold the lens bought Pana PZ (with POWER OOS). For all the trouble ... so I can keep Oly's camera without puke.

For over two years, they were the only way to get a black 12/2. At least they got a lens hood as well. I'm just glad that I never succumbed to the temptation at the time, as I will be able to buy a normal production black version for the price of the silver.

A very attractive looking body, should appeal to a lot of people, even nicer looking than EPL5. Video at 1080 HD 30P is good. At this price you would not get 4K but I do not need it. Lucky number 7 or Epl-7 should do well for consumer or enthusiast and personal use second camera for semi-pro or pro who do not want to spend more for body.

Capable camera, save the rest of your money for lenses to add, or upgrade your old body. Time to move up from my Epl-1, as this sensor I already know outperform in low light (as did the epl5). Maybe not for APSC sensors with bulkier lens, but I think this will meet a lot of peoples needs, and able to keep zoom lenses much smaller than apsc mirrorless which has always been m43 strength.

Adding an option to have epl7 body with the retractable lens in a kit at a cost savings instead of buying separately, might be something they may want to add to make this camera more attractive at a small form factor. That would be ideal for everyday carry around.

This would be even nicer with a little pop-up EVF in the corner, à la the Sony RX100 III. But then it would compete with the E-M10, which seems a better bet for not much extra. Panasonic's rumoured new GM2 might overshadow this surprisingly 'safe' new Olympus, very good though it will undoubtedly be.

Except it's YAW, not yawl--no L on the end. If you're going to correct somebody, make sure you get it right. Yaw pertains to an axis, and basically means pointing toward the left or right. A yawl is a type of sailboat.

Hey Pat, here's a point to ponder:As I see, once the camera is dettached from the screen, it can be positioned and turned over the horizontal axis. My question is: Is it going to revert & correct the pictures & images no matter how it was positioned?I mention this because some time ago I shot some video with my Ipad with the lens accidentally inverted, and so is the video: upside down. No way to correct it.

The Oly's CDAF is so good that honestly I don't think it needs PDAF. In low light it's quick, and in good light I can pretty much just mash the shutter release and know that it's going get the subject in focus (depending on the lens of course).

I had so many cameras from olympus and panasonic it would be hard to list. E-P1 autofocus is very very slow. Lenses that came out around that time were also very slow. Use a current model with the current lens line and you will see how fast it is. Almost instant I would say.

VF-4 is really fantastic, just got mine today for about AUD: $150 -not new. Much higher resolution than that found in the OM-D E-M10. It is actually the same Epson unit found in the OM-D E-M1. The control layout of my E-P5 is superior to the OM-D E-M10 too. However, after much research, I went for Lumix lenses instead: Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 II ASPH (Black) & Panasonic Lumix G 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS II -also in black to suit my black E-P5 body. Cheaper and better than Olympus M.ZUIKO equivalents.

"Panasonic Lumix G 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS II " is not better than 14-42 II, specifically, it is darker (about 1/2EV) in the middle of the range, and not any sharper.I also doubt it is cheaper, Olympus 14-42 II can be found in kits for $50 and off kits for as low as $40 slightly used on ebay.

Wow I wouldn't argue about $40 being a bargain.However, according to Photozone.de :

The Olympus Digital M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R, the resolution figures of the Olympus lens are decent albeit fairly unexciting. The center quality is generally very good in the image center at the relevant aperture settings. The outer image region is good to very good at 14mm. The corners soften slightly at 18mm and 25mm but manage to remain on a good level. At 42mm there's a general drop in quality albeit not dramatically so.The centering quality of the tested sample could have been better towards the long end of the range.

Panasonic Lumix G 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS II, The resolution characteristic of the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS II is surprisingly impressive. The center quality is excellent (just) at large apertures in the lower range and very good from f/5.6 onward. The outer image region reaches good to very good levels. It is also positive that this behavior is very even across the range.The strictly decreasing center performance along the aperture range may be surprising for some but remember that diffraction effects are actually starting to kick in fairly early on micro-four-thirds system. Unless other factors have a really significant impact the peak resolution is typically reached around f/2.8 and the Panasonic lens is obviously slower than that even at max. aperture.

The centering quality of the tested sample was just Okay.

Other tests around the Web seem to have come to same conclusions. IMO it's simply a newer design rather than a freshen up that the Olympus is.

Both are tested by slrgear, there are no significant differences in performance, except Olympus 14-42 II is f/4.4 at 25mm and Pana 14-42 II is f/5.3. Stop down both to f/5.6, and Olympus has perfectly sharp corners and Panasonic not quite.

According to Slrgear.com, 'Olympus' series of kit lens offers an innovative design which folds the lens back into itself to save space when not in use, making it quite small for storage. However, the Panasonic 14-42mm II is almost as small as the Olympus lens now in this configuration. Optically, they're quite similar, with the Panasonic lens being a little sharper.,

So I concede not much in it, but edge in sharpness for the Lumix was enough to sway my purchase decision.

Yes the Sigma VF-21 Viewfinder on my DP2 Merrill is not very good; clear enough, but not very accurate -image capture quite a bit bigger than what the viewfinder shows. The only way to know if it is focus too is a small green LED that can be seen in the corner of the eye. Perhaps I should have got the Hoodman loupe instead.

How can Olympus market the 180 flip screen as a new feature? Revolutionary? What? This is now standard for a lot of the mirrorless entry cameras at this point. Also no integrated flash? RRP $700? Would rather get an old NEX-3n with bigger sensor and integrated flash for 1/3rd the price.

Well there you go, I knew about the T80 system, but the 35-70mm was before my time. I have to say it is a bit larger than I imagined :) It makes me think of other AF systems of the 80s, like the Trap Autofocus idea on the Yashica 230-AF!